Bluffton Outpatient Center draws support

COLUMBIA — Most of the two-dozen letter writers appealing to the state health agency on behalf of a proposed Bluffton Outpatient Center were doctors or board members affiliated with the parent company.

But it doesn’t appear they held much sway over regulators.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s decision on March 29 to green light the outpatient center culminates months of data-rich correspondence between Hilton Head Hospital and rival health systems St. Joseph’s/Candler of Georgia and Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Both are fighting the new outpatient center. And on May 8 the DHEC board will hear arguments that Hilton Head Hospital’s new facility will divert its patients.

On the topic of advocacy, DHEC’s letter on March 29 only cited the town of Bluffton’s backing, which centered on the project’s role in economic development.

“Staff recognizes strong support for this project by the Town of Bluffton,” said DHEC health facilities chief, Beverly Brandt. She pointed to town advocacy, along with a host of data justifications in the decision to reverse an earlier denial and ultimately give Hilton Head Hospital permission to build the $18 million outpatient center.

Asked for greater explanation from Brandt on Friday, DHEC declined.

“Because of the pending appeal and possibility of future litigation,” wrote agency spokesman Adam Myrick in an email, “We need to let Ms. Brandt’s letter stand on its own.”

Health care ‘critical’ to area’s growth

An open records request from Bluffton Today/Morris Communications for letters of support dating back to May of last year yielded a list of 24 letter writers. It includes at least 10 Hilton Head Hospital auxiliary and board members. Two came from local government officials: Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka and town manager Anthony Barrett submitted letters on Jan. 4, both citing jobs the outpatient center would create.

“Having achieved over 800 percent growth over the last decade, Bluffton has placed economic development and upgrades to our community’s infrastructure among our top priorities,” wrote Barrett. He also noted that the project has been approved by the Bluffton Town Council and planning commission.

“Within this infrastructure, we recognize that it is imperative for the residents of our community to have access to quality and efficient health care right at home, in order to continue our community’s growth,” wrote Barrett.

In her largely similar letter, Sulka urged DHEC to approve the center as quickly as possible.

“The Bluffton Outpatient Center is consistent with our priorities of economic development and upgrades to our community’s infrastructure,” wrote Sulka.

Other letters from the area were sent by doctors who urged state regulators to approve the outpatient center so they could move in and offer their patients more convenient care.

“My practice has a presence in Bluffton and will hopefully occupy the new building, allowing me and my patients to have access to all of our needed ancillary services in one location,” wrote cardiologist Mark Lawton on Dec. 30.

“The Bluffton Outpatient Center would improve my patients’ access to basic diagnostic testing that they are currently forced to drive long distances to receive.”

Charleston advocates

The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston also wrote DHEC to urge the agency let the Bluffton Outpatient Center move forward.

On Jan. 3, W. Stuart Smith, vice president for clinical operations and executive director of MUSC, noted a longstanding partnership between the university and Hilton Head Hospital, particularly on its breast health services, and the rising demand from Beaufort County residents.

“The project as proposed will consolidate these services with others that are currently provided in several locations to one centrally located, fully integrated site,” wrote Smith. “These services, along with state-of-the art imaging, will allow for seamless integration, which is needed to ensure proper initial and follow-up care in one convenient location for patients.”

The Bluffton Outpatient Center is cast as a “one-stop shop,” and will relocate and expand existing outpatient services, including imaging and rehab activities, while adding a new CT unit and nuclear medicine camera.